Warrior lunge

Warrior lunge

Stretch along with Kamala Venkat in Skandasana to improve flexibility and balance

In Skandasana (Half Squat Over One Leg Pose), one leg is stretched out towards the side while balancing the body on the toes of the other leg. ‘Skandasana’ comes from Sanskrit, where ‘skanda’ means ‘warrior’s position (which resembles  the position while preparing for an attack)’ and ‘asana’ means ‘posture.’ The extended stretch of the leg helps to open up the hip muscles and stretches the thighs and the groin. 

Method

• You can start this pose by standing with your legs wide open. (You can keep your legs stretched as much as possible; do not force yourself.)

• Exhale, then slowly bend forward and try to place your palms on the floor while keeping your back straight.

• Now slowly bend your right leg and keep your left leg straight while flexing your left toes so that they face the roof. (Try to balance your body and keep your spine straight.)

• When you are balanced in this pose, slowly fold your hands in Namaste Mudra in front of your chest and keep your spine straight and take a few deep inhales and exhales.

• Stay in this pose for 15–20 seconds.

• Slowly bring your palms down to the floor and stay in a wide-legged forward-bend pose. Then slowly keep your hands on your hips and stand straight.

• Repeat the same with the other side also.

Benefits

• Stretches your hamstrings and calf muscles

• Improves balance

• Helps to open up your hip muscles

• Improves the flexibility of your lower body

• Strengthens the ankles and knee joints and also increases the blood circulation to these joints

Contraindications

• Knee and ankle injury 

• Menstruation and pregnancy